17
When I considered these things inwardly, and pondered in my heart that in kinship with wisdom there is immortality,
18
and in friendship with her, pure delight, and in the labors of her hands, unfailing wealth, and in the experience of her company, understanding, and renown in sharing her words, I went about seeking how to get her for myself.
19
As a child I was naturally gifted, and a good soul fell to my lot;
20
or rather, being good, I entered an undefiled body.
21
But I perceived that I would not possess wisdom unless God gave her to me— and it was a mark of insight to know whose gift she was— so I appealed to the Lord and implored him, and with my whole heart I said:
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.